Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant

Challenges Solved

MRCE designed a cofferdam to allow construction of a hydroelectric power plant adjacent to an Army Corps’ navigation lock and dam on the Ohio River. The cofferdam design allowed excavation 80 feet below normal river levels and provided protection against the 100 year flood, 40 feet above normal levels.

MRCE designed a 100-foot high rock dike to manage river levels and a 150-foot deep cement-bentonite cutoff wall to control river and groundwater seepage into the excavation. MRCE developed a detailed 3-D groundwater model to design an efficient dewatering system to maintain a dry excavation. MRCE’s close involvement with the Army Corps, FERC, and Owner were critical in getting the design approved and into construction on schedule.